You can now see a 200-year-old condom with erotic art at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum

The Netherlands’ national museum, the Rijksmuseum, has unveiled a unique item that blends historical art with Amsterdam’s famed Red Light District: a nearly 200-year-old condom featuring erotic artwork.

Condom made from sheep’s appendix

According to a statement from the museum, the condom is believed to have been made around 1830 and is crafted from a sheep’s appendix. The museum described the object as one that “depicts both the playful and the serious side of sexual health.”

Part of ‘Safe Sex?’ exhibition

The rare item is now part of a new exhibition titled Safe Sex?, which opened on Tuesday. The display focuses on sex work in the 19th century and aims to explore historical attitudes towards sexuality and protection.

Erotic art and a bold message

Possibly kept as a souvenir from a brothel, the condom is decorated with a provocative image featuring a nun and three clergymen. Along its surface is written the phrase “This is my choice” in French.

The museum explained that the phrase refers to the painting The Judgement of Paris by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, which depicts the mythological prince Paris deciding the winner of a beauty contest among three goddesses.

On display until November

The condom, which offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of sexuality, health, and art in the 19th century, will remain on display at the Rijksmuseum until the end of November.

(Agency inputs)